Former Open champion Francesco Molinari has been appointed as a vice-captain for the Ryder Cup for the third consecutive time, joining Luke Donald’s backroom staff.
The Italian will serve alongside his brother, Edoardo, for next year’s prestigious event at Adare Manor in Limerick, Ireland.
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Both Molinari brothers were integral to Donald’s successful European teams in the 2023 and 2025 competitions, held at Marco Simone and Bethpage Black respectively, bringing a wealth of experience to the setup.
Molinari expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating: “I was very pleased when Luke asked me. I’ve had two great experiences in Rome and New York, two very different ones, but both of them memorable and some of the best weeks of my life.
“So, it was an easy, straightforward decision. Anytime you get asked to be involved, there’s only one possible answer and I can’t wait to be there again.”
The 43-year-old, who famously lifted the Open trophy at Carnoustie in 2018, boasts an impressive Ryder Cup pedigree as a player.
Luke Donald said it was an ‘easy decision’ to pick Francesco Molinari (Getty)
He was part of three victorious European teams, notably securing the crucial half-point against Tiger Woods during Europe’s remarkable comeback at Medinah in 2012, and achieving a perfect five wins from five matches in Paris in 2018.
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Molinari is the second vice-captain to be confirmed by Donald, who praised his continued involvement.
Donald said: “I’m really excited to have Francesco back on board. He has been an integral part of the backroom team as a vice captain the last two times I’ve been captain.”
Europe will be aiming for a third straight victory at next year’s event in Ireland, and they have dominated the Ryder Cup in the 21st century.
The event has been staged 12 times since the turn of the millennium, with Europe winning nine of those contests.
Last year’s competition was a hard-fought affair, though, with Europe holding off a stunning USA fightback before eventually recording a 15-13 victory.
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